Aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) or mechanics are responsible for making aircraft and helicopters flying fit. They ensure this by checking and maintaining all the systems aboard so that the systems do not fail. As the aircraft is an engineering feat with millions of parts, it needs very exacting maintenance and constant checking so that even 1% defect or error does not creep in. Hence, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are needed to ensure maintenance and repair of aircraft parts and systems including the built-in avionics, electrical and mechanical systems. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Institute offers the best AME Course.
What is the Job of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) thus ensures all the mechanical engineering works are carried out before the aircraft takes flight. They have to troubleshoot problems carry out preemptive inspections and ensure make upgrades so that nothing dangerous happens during flight. Also, as a skilled craftsman/engineering level, they have to ensure that the damaged parts or systems are repaired.
In case assistance is needed for maintenance or servicing – the AME has to extend his professional expertise – even if it involves rebuilding the aircraft. The daily duties of an AME comprise checking and preempting any mishap, ensuring the trouble-free performance of aircraft and engines and executing repairs besides routine maintenance and servicing in the hangars. Stringent rules and procedures are laid down for each maintenance procedures that needs be followed.
These engineers also supervise the work of multiple mechanics under them. For becoming an AME look up Aviation Courses after 10+2 and the guidelines for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Admission.
Maintenance usually involves two kinds of duties:
Line duties comprise pre-flight checks to ensure that nothing untoward happens during a flight. This is usually carried out before every flight. Moreover, the responsibilities include optimum refueling. Certain checks like minor avionics, electrical and mechanical tasks also need to be taken care of.these appear unimportant are critical and need to be carried out meticulously and diligently without which an aircraft can meet with an accident and endanger hundreds of lives.
Base maintenance occurs in an aircraft hangar. These are more elaborate as there is time and each system and part is checked and rechecked. It usually involves long and exacting, stringent checks that are accompanied by fault diagnosis to find out any faults that may prove costly. In case any such is detected, repairs are promptly undertaken.
The mechanical section usually checks, maintains and repairs the fuselage, engines, landing gear and airframe systems not excluding the electricals. The avionics section focuses on the electrical and electronic systems directly related to navigation, communications and flight control and is usually computer controlled. It is worth repeating that it’s a great responsibility- each job has to be done with zero error and zero defect without which an entire aircraft with hundreds onboard will go down.
The average salary for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) hovers around 8 lakhs per annum. More lucrative offers including consultancy or self-employment start occurring after putting in about 20 years of service. An AME starts at around 15,000 per month but it can quickly go up to even Rs 1-1.5 lakh due to the scarcity of such personnel. At this level, an AME can enjoy a luxurious if not a lavish lifestyle. For obtaining this lifestyle, look up Aircraft Engineering, Aviation Engineering, and Aviation Courses after 10+2.